A Review: HACK/SLASH #13

The Fellowship was fortunate enough to obtain a copy of HACK/SLASH #13 from Image Comics. Tim Seeley writes, Emilio Laiso pencils, Carlos Badilla colors, and Crank! letters.

This book follows the life of Cassie Hack, a young woman with a knack for ‘taking care of’ vicious monsters (including her own serial-killer mother). This month we find her and her friends in South America, at a secret fortress built to contain a selection of monsters as well as a laboratory where a ‘cure’ has been discovered. Sam takes the cure, with ‘romantic’ effect. Meanwhile, Cat stumbles across a different problem.

I like the feel of this book; the monster-movie concept lurking underneath has a great deal of potential. The monsters we’re introduced to just in this issue have a cool atomic horror feel to them. And the characters are quite likable; they’re just nerdy enough to relate to (maybe that’s just me, though), and they also kick some butt when needed.

I see some serious potential for this series; there is a great deal of flexibility built into the concept, which is proven by the various storylines already in motion. I like where this is going, and I like where it could go too.

HACK/SLASH #13 is available now at your FLCS or by order from imagecomics.com.

~Mike

A Review: JOHN SAUL’S THE GOD PROJECT #1

The Fellowship was fortunate enough to obtain a copy of JOHN SAUL’S THE GOD PROJECT #1 from Bluewater Productions.  David McIntee wrote the story based on the novel by John Saul. The art is by Federico De Luca.

This issue focuses on the Montgomery family and the Corliss family. The Montgomerys believe there is something more to their two-year-old daughter’s death than Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that they were told. They find out that they aren’t the only ones in Eastbury, Massachusetts that has a SIDS related death. Meanwhile, 13-year-old Randy Corliss has disappeared and may have been kidnapped. A private investigator uncovers enough evidence to get the police and FBI involved, but where is Randy and is he in danger?

I have not read the novel and unfamiliar with the story. However, there is enough mystery here that has piqued my interest to see what happens next. The mood Federico De Luca’s art creates is great. His use of pencils and colors creates a normal appearance, yet there is something that is not quite right.

JOHN SAUL’S THE GOD PROJECT #1 is available at your local comic book store or at www.bluewaterprod.com.

~ Thomas

A Review: TOO MUCH COFFEE MAN: CUTIE ISLAND

The Fellowship was fortunate enough to obtain a copy of TOO MUCH COFFEE MAN: CUTIE ISLAND from BOOM! Studios. Shannon Wheeler writes and draws.

This eclectic trade paperback combines strip-like story arcs with other elements such as poetry adaptations. Our hero has written an opera about his own life. A rabbit and his worm friend have great adventures. A factory worker and his space squid muddle through their mundane existence. You know, the usual TPB fare…

This stuff is funny. It’s definitely a very dark humor, and it’s not always rip-roaring, laughing-out-loud funny, but it’s funny. And it often has some level of emotion wrapped up in it, which gives it an almost philosophical flavor. (Not sure if you can tell yet, but it’s really pretty hard to describe.) Those emotions are often dark, but the humor helps the reader relate (if they don’t already).

But please don’t take my difficulty in describing it as criticism; I actually find it refreshing. I like the sense of originality, and the simplicity of the presentation (Wheeler draws it himself, with no color, much like a newspaper comic strip) adds a great deal to that sense. And like I said, it’s funny.

TOO MUCH COFFEE MAN: CUTIE ISLAND is available now at your FLCS or by order from boom-studios.com.

~Mike

A Review: DANGER GIRL: REVOLVER #2

The Fellowship was fortunate enough to obtain a copy of DANGER GIRL: REVOLVER #2 from IDW Publishing.  Andy Hartnell (co-creator of DANGER GIRL with J. Scott Campbell) writes the story with art by Chris Madden.

Abbey and Sydney are in Peru trying to find Abbey’s ex-fiancé Nathan. They encounter a native farm girl who stole supplies, but gave them diamonds as payment. Our heroines follow the girl back to her village, which is suffering from a form of “punishment” – they can’t grow food due to lack of sunshine. They are led to a secret chamber where the Hochi Suburst, a golden medallion made as a tribute to their sun goddess, once rested.  The chamber guardians believe that the sun goddess is punishing them since the Sunburst is missing. Back at their meeting place, Nathan crashes in on the girls…literally. He's closely followed by a female. Why does Sydney know her…?

I enjoyed Madden’s art from JACK CHANCE IS THE COURIER and is a natural fit for this book. He handles over the top action and adventure and makes it fun. While the story is campy and a little cliché, it's a fun read and a nice change of pace from all the dark and serious books that are out there. I have not read the original DANGER GIRL stories, but if they are similar in tone, I may have to check them out.

DANGER GIRL: REVOLVER #2 is out in stores now or available at www.idwpublishing.com.

~ Thomas

A Review: STAR WARS: DARK TIMES—OUT OF THE WILDERNESS #4

The Fellowship was fortunate enough to obtain a copy of STAR WARS: DARK TIMES—OUT OF THE WILDERNESS #4 from Dark Horse Comics. Randy Stradley writes, Douglas Wheatley pencils, Dan Jackson colors, and Michael Heisler letters.

This book is part four of a five-part arc. Jenner and company are on a desert planet, and his associate Ember has been abducted and used as bait by an assassin who’s gunning for Jenner. The rest of the team is tracking them, but will they make it in time?

This book is loaded with incongruity. Not in a bad way, though, which I find fascinating. For example, the arc is supposed to be about some anti-Imperial espionage, with Vader hunting down the culprits. But what we see here is a Jedi fighting to save a friend on an out of the way world. Also, the hostage situation is usually a pretty dark element, but there’s a good deal of humor in this part of the story. But since sidetracks and wry humor are a part of why we love STAR WARS in the first place, it all fits together neatly.

I like this book, and the incongruities make me really curious as to how they’re going to wrap up this story arc. How will they get back to the espionage, and will Vader show up in the end?

STAR WARS: DARK TIMES—OUT OF THE WILDERNESS #4 is available now at your FLCS or by order from darkhorse.com.

~Mike

A Review: OMEGA 1 #1

The Fellowship was fortunate enough to obtain a copy of OMEGA 1 #1 from Comic Book Divas.  Mark Edward Lewis writes the story based on the television screenplay by Alina Andrei and Mark Edward Lewis. The art is by Emmanuel Xerx Javier.

A little background first…It’s 2023 and World War III has taken place, but battlefield is the internet. A group of elite hackers led by Ibrahm Anwar attack corporations and governmental systems and the planet is thrown into chaos. Therefore, the 21^st century version of the “pony express” called couriers were created. Couriers are genetically modified personnel that carry their clients’ information in the neural wet-ware implants and are highly trained fighters. Omega1 is the best.

In issue #1, we find Omega carrying out an assignment, finding resistance that tells her that the mission has been compromised. She investigates to find out who would want her dead with the assistance of fellow couriers. The group runs into some opposition, including a woman who calls Omega “sister.” After taking care of the bad guys, Omega finds a file that holds information that shatters her world. Later, we see her in a café as she dreams about her training with Dr. Bertrand (who we saw earlier in the comic). She wakes up to see…Dr. Bertrand sitting in front of her.

The concept of a hacker world war is intriguing. I want to more about Omega1’s past and why people want her killed.  Javier’s art is incredible and want to see more of his work. Maybe it’s me, but I see a little of a Jerry Bingham (BATMAN: SON OF THE DEMON) influence here.  This would make a very good comic and TV series. Hopefully we'll see both.

OMEGA 1 #1 is available at omega1comic.com and comicbookdivas.com .

~ Thomas

A Review: GHOSTBUSTERS #6

The Fellowship was fortunate enough to obtain a copy of GHOSTBUSTERS #6 from IDW Publishing. Erik Burnham writes, Dan Schoening pencils, Luis Antonio Delgado colors, and Neil Uyetake letters.

This book is in the middle of a story arc in which the boys are tracking down an ancient spirit which feeds on greed. They’re also in the process of trying to clear their names, which have been besmirched by none other than Walter Peck (a familiar name to fans of the films).

I am a fan of the films, and am usually skeptical coming into an adaptation of existing characters or stories. But I definitely like how Burnham represents the team here. There’s a bit of exposition in the middle of this, and I can easily hear the voices of the characters when I read it. He knows these guys well, and he shows it by effectively using the kind of humor we recognize from them. And there’s enough story here to draw me into the arc as well. I also like that the art doesn’t try too hard to look just like the actors; it’s close enough, where anything more would seem desperate.

Overall this is a nice, light-hearted book with likable characters and a fun underlying horror theme. You know—much like the movies.

GHOSTBUSTERS #6 is available now at your FLCS or by order from idwpublishing.com.

~Mike

A Review: STAR WARS: DAWN OF THE JEDI – FORCE STORM #1

The Fellowship was fortunate enough to obtain a copy of STAR WARS: DAWN OF THE JEDI – FORCE STORM #1 from Dark Horse Comics.  The story is by John Ostrander and Jan Duursema with Mr. Ostrander handling the script and Ms. Duursema handling the pencils.

The first half of the issue is the explanation of how the Jedi (or Je’daii) came to be on Tython. We then find ourselves on Infinite Empire controlled Tatooine, with Predor Tul’Kar and his Force Hound Xesh  dealing with the planet’s Force sensitives. The two are ordered to return to planet Byss because Predor Skal’nas has need of Xesh’s abilities to find the “Force rich” planet that lies within the core systems. Skal’nas own Force Hound, Trill, cannot locate the planet. Xesh boats he will find the planet with little problem which causes a quick confrontation between the hounds. There obviously is a history here between the two Predors and Hounds that hopefully will be expanded during the course of the story.

I enjoyed Ostrander’s and Duursema’s work on STAR WARS: LEGACY, so I was excited to see them return to the STAR WARS universe. They did such a great job chronicling the distant future, I was curious to see how they would handle the distant past…this is a great start. If this issue is any indication, the series should please the casual and hardcore STAR WARS fans – no easy feat.

STAR WARS: DAWN OF THE JEDI – FORCE STORM #1 is out in stores now or available at www.darkhorse.com.

A Review: JURASSIC STRIKE FORCE 5 #2

The Fellowship was fortunate enough to obtain a copy of JURASSIC STRIKE FORCE 5 #2 from Zenescope Entertainment.  The story is by Joe Brusha, written by Neo Edmund with art by JL Giles-Rivera.

To catch up, 100 million years ago, an alien overlord name Zalex came to Earth to find soldiers for his conquest of the universe. He did so by mutating the Jurassic reptiles that roamed the plane. Now flash forward to present day…an expedition group in the Antarctic not only awakens and frees Zalex and his army, but the Strike Force 5 as well.

In issue #2, Zalex’s forces have started their plans to take control of Earth as a stepping-stone to conquer the universe. Strike Force 5, with the assistance of their human allies: a boy named Tyler and his father. The Force 5 and Zalex’s soldiers battle and we get a little insight to their history. Until Zalex himself shows who’s holding the winning hand…

JURASSIC STRIKE FORCE 5 is a part of Zenescope Entertainment’s Silver Dragon All-Ages Imprint. The book is Jurassic Park meets Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles meets G.I. Joe, and … did I detect some dialogue from The Empire Strikes Back? In addition, there are laser swords, laser whips, and laser guns. Overall, this was a lot of fun to read and I expect this series to be a hit for all ages.

JURASSIC STRIKE FORCE 5 #2 is out in stores now or available at www.zenescope.com.

A Review: MORIARTY #9

The Fellowship was fortunate enough to obtain a copy of MORIARTY #9 from Image Comics. Daniel Corey writes, Anthony Diecidue pencils, Perry Freeze colors, and Dave Lanphear letters.

This book wraps up a five-issue arc called The Lazarus Tree, in which Moriarty seeks said tree that allegedly grants eternal life or reverses death. (Moriarty, of course, is none other than Professor James Moriarty, the archnemesis of one Sherlock Holmes.) He finally reaches the tree, runs into an old associate, and gets what he seeks—sort of.

This is a story that has maintained my interest; Moriarty is a character which hasn’t really been explored much. Doyle hardly touched him at all in his Holmes stories (he was often talked about, but almost never seen) so it’s fun to see him interpreted in this way. And as you might expect, he proves to be manipulative, devious, vicious at times, and as all-seeing as Holmes himself. The art is good; Diecidue takes us from Victorian England to the jungles of Burma very believeably.

Barring a few small anachronisms (not surprising in presenting a Victorian character to a 21^st century audience), I like this book. With this arc ending, I’m interested in seeing where the Professor goes next.

MORIARTY #9 is available now at your FLCS or by order from imagecomics.com.

~Mike

A Review: THIEF OF THIEVES #1

The Fellowship was fortunate enough to obtain a copy of THIEF OF THIEVES #1 from Skybound Entertainment and Image Comics.  The story is by Robert Kirkman, written by Nick Spencer with art by Shawn Martinbrough.

The book starts with our protagonist – Redmond doing what he does best, being a thief. We then flashback to a time where Redmond meets his future assistant/apprentice Celia while she is trying to steal his car. Coming back to the present, Redmond and Ceila discuss the next job and he appears to be his reluctant to start the operation. This leads to a surpirse meeting with the participants of the job plus their financial backer – Arno.  After a toast in his honor, Redmond drops a bombshell on the gang of thieves and the readers.

I was drawn to this book because of the names behind it. Robert Kirkman (INVICIBLE, THE WALKING DEAD) and Nick Spencer (MORNING GLORIES, T.H.U.N.D.E.R.  AGENTS) are great writers. This issue was a nice start to the series. The flashback sequence between Redmond and Celia was a nice touch. It showed not only does he is very knowledgeable of his trade, but he is a caring person. He’s unpredictable and that’s what makes him interesting. Shawn Martinbrough’s (BLACK PANTHER: THE MAN WITHOUT FEAR, CHALLENGERS OF THE UNKNOWN (1997 series)) art is great as always. It’s beautiful and moody at the same time.

THIEF OF THIEVES #1 is out in stores now or at www.imagecomics.com.

A Review: THE LEGEND OF OZ: THE WICKED WEST #2

The Fellowship was fortunate enough to obtain a copy of THE LEGEND OF OZ: THE WICKED WEST #2 from Big Dog Ink.  Tom Hutchinson wrote the story with art by Alisson Borges.

To catch everyone up, Dorothy Gale – a no-nonsense gunslinger has been trying to get back home to Kansas. The best way is to find the Emerald City via the remains of what was a gold brick road. Gale (as she likes to be called) encounters a mysterious man with a badge that she calls “tin man,” a chained up lion in clown makeup, and confronted outlaws that turned into flying monkeys.

This issue opens with Gale freeing the lion who runs away in fear. She jumps on her horse Toto and renews her quest until she encounters a young Indian girl that the tin man calls “a scarecrow” - a magically animated puppet. Meanwhile, the wicked witch is brought up to speed of what has been going on. Of course, she wants the girl and her little horse too.

This is a very interesting interpretation of the classic tale from Frank Baum. Hutchinson does a great job of placing the fantasy tale in a western environment. It seems to bring freshness to the story.  I am unfamiliar with Alisson Borges work, but enjoyed what I saw.  He blends the fantasy and western elements together and makes it work. I am very interested to see how this version of the story ends.

THE LEGEND OF OZ: THE WICKED WEST #2 is out in stores now or at www.bigdogink.com.

~ Thomas

A Review: KING CONAN: THE SCARLET CITADEL TP

The Fellowship was fortunate enough to obtain a copy of the KING CONAN: THE SCARLET CITADEL trade paperback from Dark Horse Comics. Timothy Truman writes, Tomás Giorello pencils, José Villarrubia colors, and Richard Starkings and Comicraft’s Jimmy Betancourt are credited for the letters. This volume combines the four-issue run which adapts Robert E. Howard’s story.

A young minstrel is sent to an aging King Conan to learn some new stories, and it seems the old warrior is in a talking mood. The Scarlet Citadel is a place that few have escaped, and the grizzled old king weaves the tale of his own imprisonment there, as well as the vengeance he gave to his captor.

It would be difficult to make any significant comment on the story, of course; it comes from the source. It’s a pretty standard “dungeon crawl” with monsters, swords and sorcery, from a time when these things were still being defined. All disclaimers aside, though, I think it’s adapted well here. Mr. Truman gives it to us from a fresh perspective without compromising the epic fantasy feel. The art is both gritty and imaginative; there are some nice horror aspects to this story in addition to the sword battles, and both are handled well here.

I definitely recommend this book. The style translates well to the medium, and this might be a nice way to introduce young readers to the epic fantasy genre.

KING CONAN: THE SCARLET CITADEL trade paperback is available 2/15 at your FLCS or by order from darkhorse.com.

~Mike

A Review: GRIMM FAIRY TALES MYTHS & LEGENDS #12

The Fellowship was fortunate enough to obtain a copy of GRIMM FAIRY TALES MYTHS & LEGENDS #12 from Zenescope Entertainment.  The story is by Raven Gregory, Joe Brusha, and Ralph Tedesco, written by Raven Gregory with art by Juan Ramirez.

This is part one of a four issue story arc entitled BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Edward leaves home after attending his younger brother’s funeral and a confrontation with his drunk, abusive dad. Six years later we see him as a successful stock trader who has earned the nickname “The Beast.” Edward returns home to take care of his father who is dying. He is also suffering from visions of acting out violently which seem too real to him. Once home Edward has regrets regarding the decisions he made involving his deceased brother. He is snaps out of it due to his father’s yelling and abuse. That's when the Beast appears…

This is nice start to an interesting modern take of the classic fairy tale. Most adaptations seem to focus on Beauty’s point of view. I find it refreshing to see the story told from the perspective of “The Beast,” so kudos to Mr. Gregory and the others for taking a different path. I am not familiar with Juan Ramirez’s art, but I liked what I see here. Good, solid work all around and I’m very interested to see how this all ends.

GRIMM FAIRY TALES MYTHS & LEGENDS #12 is out in stores now or available for download at www.zenescope.com.

~ Thomas

A Review: MEMORIAL #3

The Fellowship was fortunate enough to obtain a copy of MEMORIAL #3 from IDW. Chris Roberson writes, Rich Ellis pencils, Grace Allison colors, and Shawn Lee letters.

Em and Schrodinger are in search of Peter, and their search brings them to a hidden repository of knowledge far out in a desert. There they find both less and more than they sought for, as the Shadows disrupt their search and Em and Schrodinger are separated.

This is a story that may prove interesting over the long haul. It’s possible that it won’t, of course, but I like to stay optimistic when it comes to ‘urban fantasy’. There are a lot of variables; for example, this issue doesn’t give any hint as to what Em is really seeking. But old roleplayers like me usually embrace the quest narrative pretty easily. The art looks nice too; the team does well at the juxtaposition of past and future styles.

So there’s enough here to pique my interest, as a fantasy nut and as an enjoyer of detailed stories. I’d like to go back and read the first two issues, though, just to get the flow of it.

MEMORIAL #3 is available now at your FLCS or by order from idwpublishing.com.

~Mike

A Review: STAR WARS: DAWN OF THE JEDI #0

The Fellowship was fortunate enough to obtain a copy of STAR WARS: DAWN OF THE JEDI #0 from Dark Horse Comics.  The text is by John Ostrander with the art by Jan Duursema and cover by Rodolfo Migliari.

STAR WARS: DAWN OF THE JEDI #0 is a guide for the reader in preparedness for the upcoming miniseries. It examines the worlds, vehicles, locations, races, events and characters that will be in or referenced to the upcoming story. I found it interesting the different temples that catered to a particular aspect of the Force (e.g. science, healing arts, physical manifestations, etc). Even the word origin of Jedi is explained here. It comes from the word Je’daii, an amalgam of two Dai Bendu words:  je, meaning “mystic,” and daii, meaning “center.” The Je’daii code is here as well as the level of attainments, from Padawan to Temple Master.

Ostrander and Duursema are no strangers to the STAR WARS, most recently worked on STAR WARS: LEGACY (highly recommended) and its follow-up mini-series, STAR WARS: LEGACY: WAR. They are such a great team and seem at home here in the galaxy far, far away. I love reading these guides/database books and this is one of the better ones. 

STAR WARS: DAWN OF THE JEDI #0 is out in stores now or available at www.darkhorse.com.

A Review: DAMAGED #5

The Fellowship was fortunate enough to obtain a copy of DAMAGED #5 from Radical Publishing.  The book is created by Michael Schwarz and John Schwarz and executive produced by Sam Worthington. David Lapham writes the story with art by Leonardo Manco.

Just to catch up, Frank Lincoln is the head of a special police task force that is close to retirement. He has his hands full with training his replacement, deal with the police and political corruption, and face Henry, his former-cop-turned-vigilante brother who has returned to San Francisco after the death of a Russian mob boss. Meanwhile, Henry has taken on a protégé named Isaac Lordsman, who was a police officer sent to prison for refusing to help while a known gangster died in a car fire. Issue #5 finds Frank retired and trying to find his brother. Henry realizes that his new pupil is starting to lose control and does something that will bring the entire San Francisco police force after them.

I am a little late getting into the book, but have truly enjoyed this mini-series. I cannot wait until issue #6 to see how this all ends! There is a “classic” PUNISHER vibe here and a well-crafted crime drama. The art is beautiful, almost cinematic. I can definitely see this as a blockbuster movie. That may indeed be the case since actor Sam Worthington (AVATAR, CLASH OF THE TITANS remake) is executive producing the comic.

DAMAGED #5 is out in stores now. 

A Review: HELLRAISER #10

The Fellowship was fortunate enough to obtain a copy of HELLRAISER #10 from BOOM Studios. Clive Barker writes with Robb Humphreys and Mark Miller, Stephen Thompson and Janusz Ordon pencil, Space Goat Productions colors, and Travis Lanham letters.

This issue contains two storylines, one with some exposition from the new Pinhead, and the other shows us the problems being faced by her predecessor. The new Pinhead has brought a friend to Hell, presumably to help her with a problem. The ‘retired’ guy, however, is having problems with his memory loss.

I see some good storytelling potential here. We get enough sense of character from the new Pinhead to really open up the gates. And the idea of there being a surviving former Pinhead is just really cool in my opinion; how can someone return to a ‘normal’ life after seeing and doing what he has? The art works very well, too. It’s detailed enough to show emotion, and the representation of gore is clear enough to be gruesome.

Overall I like this book. I’m a fan of the psychological stuff, and there’s great potential for some excitement and pain here.

HELLRAISER #10 is available now at your FLCS or by order from boom-studios.com.

~Mike